poderoso
/poh-deh-ROH-soh/
powerful
This strongman is truly powerful, illustrating the meaning of poderoso.
poderoso(Adjective)
powerful
?having great strength or influence
,mighty
?historical or poetic context
influential
?referring to a person or group
,strong
?physical capability or force
📝 In Action
El presidente es un hombre muy poderoso en este país.
A2The president is a very powerful man in this country.
Las olas del océano eran poderosas después de la tormenta.
B1The ocean waves were mighty/powerful after the storm.
La empresa tecnológica se ha convertido en una fuerza poderosa en el mercado global.
B2The technology company has become a powerful force in the global market.
💡 Grammar Points
Adjective Agreement
Remember that 'poderoso' must match the noun it describes in gender and number. Examples: 'mujer poderosa' (powerful woman), 'ejércitos poderosos' (powerful armies).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'poder' instead of 'poderoso'
Mistake: "La nación es mucho poder."
Correction: La nación es muy poderosa. ('Poder' means 'power' or 'to be able to'; 'poderoso' is the description, the adjective.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal Contexts
'Poderoso' is often used in political, military, or formal writing, giving it a slightly elevated tone compared to just 'fuerte' (strong).
The small drop caused a massive reaction, showing how something potent, or poderoso, can have a strong effect.
poderoso(Adjective)
potent
?medicine, chemical, or effect
,strong
?smell, taste, or adhesive
intense
?emotion or effect
,highly effective
?tool or solution
📝 In Action
El pegamento que usó es tan poderoso que no puedo separar las piezas.
B1The glue he used is so strong/potent that I can't separate the pieces.
La medicina tiene un efecto poderoso contra el dolor de cabeza.
B1The medicine has a powerful/potent effect against the headache.
El orador tenía una voz poderosa que llenó todo el auditorio.
B2The speaker had a powerful voice that filled the entire auditorium.
💡 Grammar Points
Use with Non-Physical Strength
You can use 'poderoso' to describe things that have a strong impact on your senses or feelings, not just physical strength (e.g., a 'powerful argument' or a 'strong flavor').
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: poderoso
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'poderoso' to describe an intense effect rather than political strength?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'poderoso' always positive?
Not necessarily. While it implies great capability, it can be used negatively to describe an overwhelming or dangerous force, like 'un enemigo poderoso' (a powerful enemy) or 'un golpe poderoso' (a mighty blow).